Opioid Abuse & Safety Precautions

Opioid abuse is a growing concern in the United States. Nearly two million Americans abused opioids in 2013. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a steady increase in number of deaths related to opioid abuse over the past two decades. In 2010, there were a total of 38,329 deaths in the United States and more than 60% were related to opioid abuse. These deaths are an enormous burden on families, friends, and healthcare providers.

Why do prescription opioids pose a big threat to you and your family? Opioids are a group of medications that are used for pain management. Percocet, Vicodin, or Morphine are some of the most common opioids that are used and they require a prescription from a health care provider. These drugs are highly addictive and may only take short-term use for some people to begin a dependence on the medication. It is estimated that at least 7,000 people are treated in the emergency room each day due to misuse of opioid medications. It is also possible for people to use opioid medication that was prescribed for someone else or to obtain the medication illegally without a prescription.

To bring awareness to this issue, if your household contains any prescription opioids that are used for pain management, you have to use great caution. Storing these drugs in a safe and secure place is crucial, because this will help avoid accidental drug overdose or misuse by others that were not prescribed this medication. If you have remaining medication that you do not need because your pain has resolved consider discarding these drugs by speaking to your local pharmacists or police departments, who can provide you guidance on appropriate disposal of the medications. Do not dispose them in your regular trash at home, place down a drain, or flush down a toilet. If you find that you are needing opioid medication often because of chronic pain there may be other ways to control your discomfort and you should talk to your health care provider about your options.

If you or someone you know is using opioid pain medication and there is a concern for drug overdose, call 9-1-1. Signs and symptoms of a drug overdose include: Slowed breathing, period of time without breathing, bluish color, confusion, or being unresponsive. Reducing opioid abuse and deaths related to overdose will require attention not only from health care providers but all members of the community. Do not be frightened to speak up and ask for help if you suspect someone is abusing opioids, because you can save a life.

Sincerely,

Vinita Patel, BS, RN

Family Nurse Practitioner Student, University of Massachusetts Lowell